Efficacy of repeated red-light laser therapy for myopia control in Australian children: a pilot randomised controlled trial

Clin Exp Optom. 2026 Apr 8:1-11. doi: 10.1080/08164622.2026.2648328. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Childhood myopia is increasingly prevalent in routine optometric practice and is associated with a lifetime risk of ocular complications. Clinically acceptable and evidence-based strategies to slow myopia progression are therefore important for long-term eye health management across diverse populations.

BACKGROUND: To assess the efficacy, feasibility and safety of repeated red-light laser (RLRL) therapy among multi-ethnic school-aged children in Australia.

METHODS: Randomised controlled trial. 34 multi-ethnic children aged 8-13 years with myopia were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to the RLRL therapy with single-vision spectacles (SVS) group or the SVS group. RLRL therapy was administered for 3 minutes, twice daily for 5 days per week, while SVS group continued routine activities. Assessments were scheduled at baseline and follow-up visits at 1, 3, 6 & 12 months, with compliance monitoring and safety assessments throughout. Axial length (AL), spherical equivalence refraction (SER) and Optical coherence tomography were conducted.

RESULTS: A total of 34 children were randomised to 17 in the RLRL group and 17 in the SVS group. Three children in the RLRL group withdrew due to headache (n = 1) and poor compliance to treatment (n = 2). Adjusted mean changes of 12-month AL and SER were -0.03 (95% CI, -0.05 to -0.01) mm and 0.08 (95% CI, 0.04 to 0.13) D for RLRL group and 0.12 (95% CI, 0.10 to 0.14) mm and -0.20 (95% CI, -0.29 to -0.10) D for SVS group. No severe adverse events were observed during the study period.

CONCLUSION: This pilot study in a non-Chinese Australian population demonstrated that RLRL therapy may be a promising alternative treatment for myopia control in multi-ethnic school-aged children, with no documented functional and structural damages. Further research with a larger cohort is warranted to confirm results and explore the long-term efficacy and safety of RLRL therapy.

PMID:41951208 | DOI:10.1080/08164622.2026.2648328